Local league preview.

CHESTER-LE-STREET face another major weekend of cricket as they continue their hunt for glory on several fronts.

The new leaders of the Dukes NEPL begin with a league match against struggling Tynemouth this morning, and then follow up with another home game tomorrow against Merseyside outfit Bootle in the last 16 of the national knockout. As ever, the Cestrians are at full strength for both matches.

Following their first league defeat in 14 months South North have every motivation as they head for Teesside to take on Norton. They show just one change with Adam Heather being replaced by Richard Brook.

Blaydon, in third, have a home game against bottom club Stockton, but the prolific Mark Stoneman and Paul Freary are unavailable, Lee Whitfield comes in.

Seaham Harbour will be able to forget about their Warmseal Durham Senior League woes for a few hours tomorrow when the surprise finalists entertain Whitburn in the D & A Sports Trophy League Cup Final.

Having beaten some powerful teams to reach their day in the spotlight Harbour will be hoping their boat comes in, but Neville Gustard will miss out because of a hamstring injury with Jack Lacey returning. Whitburn welcome back key bowler Tony Greaves, with their only absentee vice-skipper Paul Cook.

There is no doubting today’s big game with secondplaced Hetton Lyons entertaining leaders Boldon.

Lyons are at full strength, but Boldon will be missing Phil Shakespeare with Andy Mc- Cord coming in.

There could be double trouble for the Readers Durham County League strugglers this weekend with two days of testing league matches to face.

Leaders Kimblesworth, unchanged for the umpteenth time, play at Etherley today, and then go to bottom club Brandon tomorrow. Etherley will hand a debut to their new signing from Bishop Auckland, John Barker, although Chris Renshaw is suspended.

Brandon have skipper Stephen Atkinson returning.

Willington also have a new signing with Aaron Proud from Hunwick joining them at senior level. Mumtaz Habib is also back as the title chasers look to maintain their challenge with a home game against Langley Park followed by a trip to Etherley.

Castle Eden and Ryhope lock horns tomorrow when the delayed Andrew Dixon Cup Final takes place at Murton, but before that 3D Durham Coast League leaders Castle Eden face a tough assignment at Easington this afternoon.

The home side have been gathering momentum in recent weeks and even though they will miss Ian Rickaby they could provide the full strength table toppers with a real test.

Swalwell continue their campaign to retain the Wellstream NTSL title when they travel to Annfield Plain. The champions have a full squad to pick from, although their hosts are missing Saquib Khan and Scott Harrison, with Dave Newstead and Graham Carr stepping in.

Full strength Shotley Bridge will be hoping to add to relegation threatened Benwell & Walbottle’s troubles in their game at the Campus, whilst Lintz hand a debut to new signing Kieran Gohery as they look to ease their worries near the foot of the table in their match at Leadgate.